Jenna Ortega is gearing up for a mammoth career in Hollywood. Just look at what the 21-year-old has achieved so far? Whether you came across the actress via her lead role in Wednesday on Netflix, her domination of the best-dressed lists, or simply because you're a horror fiend and she's been in, well, everything, it's clear to all that Jenna Ortega is one to watch. So if you're curious about the budding star, here's everything we know about Jenna Ortega.
How old is Jenna Ortega?
You'd be forgiven for thinking Jenna Ortega was in her late twenties, given her prolific career thus far. However, the actor is currently 21 years old. Her birthday falls on September 27, and she was born in 2002. This makes her a Libra, a club that includes Bella Hadid, Lourdes Leon and Naomi Osaka.
Jenna Ortega nationality
Jenna Ortega is an American actress, born in Palm Desert, California. She has spoken at length about being proud of her latina roots; her father Edward is Mexican, while her mother Natalie is of both Mexican and Puerto Rican descent. She's was raised bilingual, and spoke Spanish at home. Jenna, whose middle name is Marie, is the fourth in a lineup of six children.
How to follow Jenna Ortega on Instagram
Following her role in Wednesday, Jenna Ortega went from indie scream queen to leading lady. Her Instagram following reflected this jump, and now she boasts an audience of 39.2 million at @jennaortega.
Who is Jenna Ortega friends with?
One of Ortega's notable female friendships is with Maddie Ziegler. She once told Wired's Autocomplete YouTube series: "Maddie and I are the same person in different fonts". The two starred alongside each other in Megan Park's 2021 coming-of-age film The Fallout, which highlights the relationship between two students following a school shooting.
Ortega has also formed a close bond with Olivia Rodrigo, a friendship which began during their careers on the Disney Channel.
Jenna Ortega movies and TV shows
Jenna Ortega entered Hollywood very early on. She was discovered after her mum posted a monologue of her's on Facebook, which caught the attention of her mother's friend who worked in the industry.
Ortega made her acting debut in the CBS sitcom Rob, and shortly after appeared in an episode of CSI: NY. From there, she made a small appearance in Iron Man 3 as the Vice President's daughter, and she began turning heads in TV series Jane the Virgin.
The 21-year-old actress has also starred in her fair share of horror films, which is how she picked up the "scream queen" reputation. A24's X, Insidious 2, the Scream remake and Scream VI, are just some of the scary titles she's appeared in, and Netflix series You could easily fall under that category too.
However, Ortega's career went gangbusters when she took the lead role of Wednesday Addams in Netflix's Wednesday. The combination of her stony facade, deadpan humour, goth girl glamour and dancing to Goo Goo Muck by The Cramps made for a memorable performance of a widely-loved fictional character.
To prepare for the lead role in Wednesday, Ortega underwent "the most physical transformation I've ever done" she told the Hollywood Reporter. "I cut my hair, and it's black, and mannerism-wise, speaking cadence-wise, expression-wise, I'm trying to pull from a different toolbox this time around. I think it's a surprise to the audience, but myself as well." There was also the challenge of getting Jenna's braids symmetrical for seven months in a row, but hairstylist Nirvana Jalalvand managed to pull it off.
Next up, Jenna Ortega will lead Tim Burton's Beetlejuice sequel, where she'll play Lydia Deetz's daughter, and star alongside original cast members Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, and Catherine O'Hara, as well as Monica Bellucci and Willem Dafoe.
Jenna Ortega's best style moments
As longtime fans will know, not only does Jenna Ortega have a promising career in Hollywood, but she's also regularly on best-dressed lists. It makes sense given Ortega's ties to the fashion industry; she's a brand ambassador to adidas and Dior, having fronted a handful of the French Maison's fragrance campaigns.
Ortega attended her first Met Gala in 2022, wearing Pier Paolo Piccioli Pink from Valentino. At the 2023 Met Gala, she paid homage to Karl Lagerfeld in a matador-inspired look from Thom Browne. And who could forget her sandy Gucci moment at the 2023 Golden Globes?
For some of Jenna Ortega's best style moments, keep scrolling.
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Wearing Thom Browne to the 2023 Met Gala.
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As the face of Gris Dior.
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Wearing Versace and Tiffany & Co. to the 2023 SAG Awards.
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Wearing Valentino.
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Looking simple and fresh in a classic white t-shirt and dungarees.
Images: @jennaortega @jennaortega
